Hefty price tag on new Discovery but Land Rover says it is more than capable

At around N$1 million for a Land Rover Discovery, it is no longer the utility vehicle for which its predecessors were famous. But Land Rover is adamant that, despite its obvious refinement and style, it remains one of the most robust, capable and versatile SUVs in southern Africa

The new Discovery has been restyled on the exterior in several, noticeable ways. The headlamps are eyecatching, the windscreen angle is flatter and the daytime running lamps give a distinctive signature. Changes in the array of rear lights also add to its sporty appearance. The overall design theme is dynamic.

Mechanically, the Discovery leans heavily on the gene pool of its long and illustrious pedigree. Land Rover states that it “retains its status as the most capable premium SUV in off-road situations combining advanced technology with outstanding off-road geometry.”

“the all-new Discovery provides unrivalled practicality and versatility alongside supreme breadth of capability,” said Nick Rogers, Executive Director of Product Engineering at Land Rover. “Our continued drive of pioneering technologies, industry-leading lightweight aluminium architectures and new advanced engines ensure the new-look Discovery family appeals to consumers on multiple levels.”

For the ultimate all-terrain capability, All-New Discovery is available with a two-speed transfer box, providing selectable high and low range gears for optimum on-road and off-road performance. The intelligent system provides a standard 50/50 torque split between front and rear wheels, but uses a range of sensors to distribute torque between the wheels depending on conditions and traction. Through Land Rover’s award-winning Terrain Response 2 technology, the low-range gears are automatically selected for rocky terrain, sand or mud.

Ground clearance is an impressive 283 mm. Up front the approach angle is as high as 34° while the departure angle is set at 30°. The new Discovery can wade through almost a metere of water before it starts to float.

Along with Land Rover’s customary all-terrain capability, the Discovery also has enhanced on-road dynamics, with heightened levels of refinement and comfort. This is realised through Land Rover’s proven lightweight and durable aluminium monocoque construction, which contributes to a 480kg weight-saving compared to steel ladder construction. The Discovery rides on an advanced integral link rear suspension to deliver superior handling and exceptional ride comfort.

The car can tow trailers up to 3500 kg.